Rebuilding after Tropical Cyclone Alfred—a guide for property owners

First steps after the cyclone

Your safety is the top priority. Follow these steps to ensure a safe and smooth recovery:

• Put safety first – Before setting foot outside (or returning to your home), ensure that electricity, gas, and plumbing systems are safe. Always use licensed professionals for inspections and repairs. If there is asbestos, get a licensed professional to clear and dispose of it.
• Lodge an insurance claim – If you have insurance, contact your provider as soon as possible to start the claims process. Your insurance will guide you as to when and how to engage with contractors to commence works. Make sure you also take photographs and/or videos of all damage before moving or disposing of items. 
  If you’re currently in the middle of a building construction project, please reach out to your builder to discuss coverage for any damage that occurred as a result of the cyclone. 

Beginning the repair and rebuild process

Once you’ve reached out to your insurer and are ready to start repairs or rebuilding, follow these key steps:

• Find a local contractor – Use our useful tools to find licensed contractors in your area:
  • Find a local contractor – use our free online search tool to find licensed contractors in your area including plumbers, builders, carpenters and certifiers. If you already have someone in mind to do the work, you can also checked there are appropriately licensed to do the work by using our free licensee register.
  • Find an electrician – via the Electrical Safety Office
• Get multiple quotes – Obtain at least three quotes from different contractors to ensure fair pricing and quality service.
• Use a written contract – Protect yourself by making sure your contractor is using a formal contract for all repair and rebuilding work. All domestic building work valued more than $3,300 requires a contract. We provide useful templates such as:
  • Natural Disaster Repairs Contract
  • Residential Demolition Contract
• Pay only for completed work – Never pay in full upfront. Make payments progressively as work is completed, sticking to the payment schedule in your contract. And be aware of the maximum deposits a contractor is allowed to request.
• Check for required inspections – Some repairs and rebuilding work may require building inspections. Ensure you are compliant with all local regulations.
• Communicate issues promptly – If any problems arise, notify your contractor immediately and put all concerns in writing to ensure a clear record.

Using licensed contractors for repairs

Choosing a QBCC-licensed contractor is a must when rebuilding or repairing your home. 

This ensures:

• coverage under the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme, which offers protection in case of defects or incomplete work. Unlicensed work is not covered by the scheme.
• access to the QBCC’s dispute resolution services in case of any issues with your contractor.
• confidence that your contractor has the necessary qualifications and experience to complete the work safely and to a high standard.

Additional resources

For more information, including frequently asked questions, visit our Recover from natural disasters page. 
This resource provides further guidance on navigating the recovery process, protecting yourself legally, and making informed decisions.

Rebuilding after Tropical Cyclone Alfred may take time, but by following these steps and using licensed professionals, you can ensure a safe and secure recovery for you and your family.